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Weight Watchers

Weight Watchers Diet Review (UPDATED 2024): Don't Buy Before You Read This!

For more than 50 years, Weight Watchers has been a trusted approach to weight loss for men and women.

Top Rated Diets of 2024
What is it?

Weight Watchers Diet is a diet plan based off a point system, where each food has a value, and you’re allowed only a certain amount of points a day. You can eat any foods you want, as long as you don’t pass the allowed points for the day.

The points offered are called SmartPoints, and the amount allowed is based off one one’s own body and individual weight loss goals. Healthy and low calorie foods have much less value, so it naturally steers people into eating more wholesome foods instead of eating high amounts of junk food.  In this review you’ll hear customer reviews, the science behind Weight Watchers, and whether or not it can promote weight loss. The highest rated diet plan of 2024 was found to be the 18 Shake Diet. It’s a combination of a natural metabolism booster and high protein meal replacement. Learn more about the 18Shake diet plan by following the link provided here.

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Weight Watchers Diet Ingredients and Side Effects

Ingredients:

No pre-packaged foods are required, it’s advised to cook one’s own meals at home. An app and guide is offered with over 287,000 different foods which have a stated number value.

High fiber, non-processed, and sugar free foods have a much lower point number.  Processed foods and highly saturated foods tend to be the highest in points. So the diet focuses on introducing more healthy foods, which is already known as a practical way to lose weight.

There are also 4,000 recipes offered as well as optional support for meetings, online coaching, and dietary tips. Mobile apps are also offered to help people calculate their total points.

There isn’t much information provided by the company to showcase exactly how their approach is scientific, or how they choose specific foods to have higher points than others.  The top 10 list found here offers the best diet plans that our experts have reviewed.

EDITOR’S TIP: Combine this diet with a proven meal replacement such as 18 Shake for better results.

Weight Watchers Diet Quality of Ingredients

 The quality of the ingredients can vary on what’s purchased, since no foods are off limits, what one purchases will determine the overall quality. The high points that processed foods have will force people to be more conservative in their food options.

No proof is provided by the makers of Weight Watchers to show why this diet has been formulated in the point system it offers.

It’s clear that by eating less processed foods and focusing on quality meats, high fiber, and filling foods that naturally weight loss is possible. However, no evidence is provided as to why their coaching system would be any better than not paying for this system and simply eating healthier,

One study by the Annals of Internal Medicine found that:

“Weight Watchers participants achieved at last 2.6% greater weight loss than those assigned to control/education”

This was in a 12 month period, and there were only slight increases in weight loss in comparison to people who were allowed to diet without control.

2.6% for someone weighing 200 pounds would be 5.2 additional pounds. This means that every month, a person can expect an additional 0.43 extra pounds of weight loss more than those who dieted on their own and made their own decisions without a points system.

This is a very poor amount of weight loss considering the amount it costs to pay for the online support. A list of the very best diet plans has bene reviewed by our experts.

Another major issue with the plan was that no official information is provided to show the points system before one buys into the plan. This makes it impossible to calculate if one is even capable of keeping up with this plan. Certain foods are not preferential for people, and it might require extreme changes in dieting in some.

Even with online support, there’s no guarantee that the advice offered will help one lose weight safely and effectively.

The Price and Quality of Weight Watchers Diet

There are different plans offered such as:

OnlinePlus: $4.30 per week when a 3 month long plan is offered. This amounts to $64.50 for the total 3 months.

Meetings + OnlinePlus: A 3 month plan is offered for $8.30 a week. This amounts to $124.50 for the full 3 months. 

Coaching + OnlinePlus: Like the other plans, if 3 months is selected, the full price is $10.15. A full 3 months is $152.25.

These prices can vary, as it depends on what one chooses as their meals and how much support they want. No information is provided on what kind of background the people who give advice are, and whether or not they are certified diet or nutrition experts.  Since they fail to mention this, it’s important to be cautious of the support offered.

A $20 fee is mandatory for every first time member.  Web MD discusses the pricing of this diet by stating:

“Be prepared to spend some cash to get the full benefits”

Many customers also agree it’s incredibly pricy to keep the online support available. As you’ll see in the “Customer Opinions of Weight Watchers Diet”, many felt it wasn’t worth the price.

The top 10 list featured in the link here has the best diet plans.

Business of Weight Watchers Diet

Weight Watchers International is the official company name. Their contact information is as follows:

Phone Number: (800) 651-6000

Further contact information is provided to those who subscribe to the online system. There are currently 339 negative reviews on their Consumer Affairs page. Here are some direct quotes from customers:

“thought I was signing with a reputable company… Weight Watchers continued to withdraw money from my bank account for 3 months”

“I have been requesting my account to be closed for the past 3 months”

“No one is ever there when you need them”

“Weight watchers are total thieves. I cancelled my account 3 years ago and they have billed my credit card”

Hundreds of people claim that they continue to be charged by the company even after they’ve cancelled the online support, and no longer logging into to their profiles.

There are also 279 complaints on their Better Business Bureau site, mostly for the same reasons. People complained often about being constantly billed even after months or even years of no longer using their accounts. Customers were frustrated since they were told their account was cancelled, only to see billing from Weight Watchers appearing on their credit card statements.

People also said that when their accounts were active, that there wasn’t much support offered. To see a list of the top 10 diet plans click on the link offered here.  

EDITOR’S TIP: The top 10 list of the best diets is available here.

Customer Opinions of Weight Watchers Diet

Here is what some users had to say:

“just got de-motivated as I could see this wouldn’t work for me anymore”

“I tried it, but I didn’t have too much luck”

“helped me at first but I failed later on”

“it did not work… felt the meetings were very one sided, and it was like a chat”

People said that the offered meetings and support weren’t really helpful, and that it didn’t cater to people’s needs. It was more just general advice people were given such as obvious weight loss advice.  

Another major issue was that people often said that they couldn’t keep up with the diet, and that many common foods had too many high points where they couldn’t eat comfortably.

Users had issues as well with the foods with fewer points, as its common sense what foods are allowed and which aren’t. The top 10 list features the best diet plans out now, click on this link to learn more.

Conclusion - Does Weight Watchers Diet Work?

When making a decision on a diet plan like Weight Watchers, it’s important to examine customer reviews, what’s offered, and whether or not weight loss is likely. The plan offers a point system which is meant to make dieting easier. However, hundreds of people have complained about a lack of food options, as well as being forced to limit many common foods. There were also hundreds that complained the company continues to charge them long after they’ve cancelled. Both on Consumer Reports and the Better Business Bureau people mention they continue to be billed.

The 2024 diet plan of the year was found to be the 18Shake Diet. It offers a high protein, appetite suppression meal replacement alongside a metabolism booster made with natural extracts with no added stimulants. There are no artificial additives, colors, binders, fillers, or harsh ingredients. Many customers have left testimonials and review showcasing their own weight loss results. People have said that the meal replacement can help suppress appetite for hours, and that it mixes well and has a pleasant taste.

The 18Shake Diet offers a diet pill and meal replacement that are both backed by full 30 day money back guarantee. Returns are offered with no questions asked, risk free. To discover more information about the 18Shake Diet, click on the link provided here.

How Does Weight Watchers Compare?
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User Feedback

(Page 18 of 41, 805 total comments)

Marilyn

-

Like Kari earlier said, I, too, decided not to continue with weight watchers online plan after having it for four days. They would not refund my full cost, but will refund $5.00. Needless to say, I was very disappointed not to have my full refund returned in less than a week.

posted Jan 29th, 2011 1:34 am

Mary Lou Wineland

I cancelled my sign up early last week but I noted on my bank account that you have processed a payment. PLEASE refund as I will join locally - too confusing on line.

posted Jan 24th, 2011 1:47 pm

Donna

If I join WW online does a point calculator come with it.? I am not able to down load the app.. Thanks

posted Jan 22nd, 2011 2:18 am

shane

Jeannette, I dont use salt if @ all Possible. Stay on the WW program and use Ms, Dash for a salt replacement. I use it on almost everything. stay on program and try ms. dash. Goodluck.

posted Jan 20th, 2011 1:36 pm

Jeannette

+

I am a Weight Watcher Member.
I like the Weight Watcher diets. But I need to count my sodium intake and also sugar intake. It is easy for me to count my sugar intake, but my salt intake is too high. What can I do?
Should I quit ?

posted Jan 19th, 2011 11:16 pm

Reggie

+

I joined WW two weeks ago and have lost 7.4 pounds in two weeks. It is a great program. Dan, in order to gain weight like you said you did, you must have gone overboard somewhere and eaten tons of fruit PLUS other things. I eat fruit everyday and have lost weight. You can't go overboard on anything.

posted Jan 19th, 2011 5:35 pm

Shane

I reached my goal with WW in 2007. and after I had reached my Lifetime goal I had some health issues (not WW related) had to be on steroids for a while, and also poor eating habits. Slowley but surely, I had gained all of my weight back plus more. Now that I have been off of Steroids and my health is Better. I have used several other diet plans to help me loss again. (None of them worked for me) I have joined WW again just a couple of weeks ago,and have lost weight. I really like the new points plus program. I was skeptical @ 1st about having more points each day but I like it now. I get to eat several times aday without being hungry. I do excercise 4 to 5 times a week. (Walking 3 to 4 miles each day) I also don`t add back my activity points or use my extra 49 points weekly. (unless I MUST!) And I am not able with my work schedule to attend a meeting every week. also, I find the computer version of WW to be confusing. But I have a group of Friends who I chat with about the Program, weigh in once a week @ home and Journal everything. (great to review back over and over again) This is the Best Program for Healthy weight loss. I have seen it before and I will again reach goal. And this time I will add back points to maintain my Lifetime goal. WW is not a diet. It`s a daily Lifestyle change for me. Whatever way You choose to do this Program, it`s not just (Oh I lost weight and met my Goal) It`s a daily lifestyle change for the better. Kudo`s to WW.

posted Jan 19th, 2011 2:20 pm

Jeanne

+

Dan and Kari - you have to be kidding - maybe you need meetings instead - I have lost 40 lbs on Weight Watchers and maintained the loss for 2 years - I still attend meetings - Dan if you ate all that fruit everyday you would lose weight because all you would be doing is eating and then spending the rest of the day in the bathroom - lots of people on WW don't eat enough fruit and veggies - go to any meeting and you'll find that people don't want to "waste" the points on these foods - then they opt for 100 calorie packs and wonder why they don't lose weight - use your brain - all foods in moderation for a balanced diet - any leader will tell you that - mine does almost every meeting - basic food pyramid from elementary school for good health - and Kari - WW has been around for probably longer than you've been on the planet - they're a reputable company - they're not putting out any "scams" I've been assisted with billing issues and never had any problem.

posted Jan 17th, 2011 12:56 pm

jen

+

I love this diet. And Kari, the online part is NOT a scam..they tell you on four separate pages you will be charged on the seventh day and give you three ways to cancel. I did the seven day free trial before I joined and canceled the subscription two minutes later via their online cancellation form. I was able to complete the term and they did not chage me. You need to read the terms and not just blindly click through things. The diet is amazing and I'm doing the online portion and am seeing amazing results. Don't give ww a negative review just because you didn't read what you were agreeing to...

posted Jan 15th, 2011 9:17 pm

michael tillman

+

i know it works i've had friends that was on weight watchers years ago and they lost weigth.

posted Jan 14th, 2011 1:40 am

kari

-

DO NOT JOIN Weight Watchers online it is a scam. They say you have 7 days free but you really only have 6. When I cancelled on the 7th day, they charged me $65.00 for 3 months. When I called to ask for my money back, they would only refund $5.00 but I could still use it online, and they were sorry�?�what a joke. The online program is also confusing and lacks the information you really need to be successful.

posted Jan 13th, 2011 10:53 pm

Anne

+

I lost 20 pounds back years ago with the old points program. I recently gathered all the needed info about the new points program online, purchased the calculator on eBay and here I am losing again. Nobody has to join, you can buy the WW magazine in the store, and everything is available through either the Internet or eBay.

posted Jan 12th, 2011 4:39 am

Mary F. Breaux

+

I like what I've seen and heard. But I would like to get a better explanation on how the program actually work with the food you eat. How you do the points system work etc.

posted Jan 9th, 2011 6:05 am

cindy teague

I am looking for a way to loose weight, I had the gastric bypass surgery and have gained over 100 pounds back. I have about 150 pounds to loose to be healthy just need help doing this

posted Jan 8th, 2011 6:54 pm

LaShonda L

I love the program! Im trying to encourage my man to do it but hopefully he will come around.

posted Jan 6th, 2011 8:41 pm

Kelly

+

I still don't understand the ProPoints?? Is it still the same method of marking everything down?

posted Jan 6th, 2011 8:41 pm

LaShawnda

I started weight watchers on Jan1st I'm 25 almost 26 yrs old and I'm on day 6 I've lost 9.8 lbs. I am loving this plan, my husband is doing it with me , and we do The Biggest Loser Last Chance workout daily :)

posted Jan 6th, 2011 1:53 pm

Dez

+

I feel like i get more food to eat and fruits and most of the veggies are 0 points.

posted Jan 5th, 2011 6:18 pm

Abby VS

After first trying WW 11 years ago after the birth of my son (I gained 75lbs!!!) and finding success I have continued to be a true believer. I admit to gaining weight at time but, always have had the toold to lose the weight. I have ALWAYS counted fruits as 0, with the assumption I am not consuming EVERY fruit around, and I admit to avoid bannanas unless I am exercising! Now 38 I have maintained my current goal weight for 4 years- you can do it!!!! Holidays, birthdays, life and all- I totally recommend a heavy cardio exercise atleast 2-3 days a week for later age success. (buy a heart monitor to insure you are trying!!!) You can do it!! Good luck!!

posted Jan 4th, 2011 5:24 pm

ElizabethK71

Dan, you are obviously a fool if you think WW wants you to eat all the fruit you want. It's meant to encourage you to eat fruit instead of junk food, since fruit is now free. However, anyone with common sense or a brain knows that everything has calories and adds up if to much is consumed. My leader made it clear that you should not eat more than 3 pieces a day, on average. Don't talk about what you don't understand! WW is the best!

posted Jan 3rd, 2011 10:54 pm


 

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QUICK FACTSQUICK FACTS Start the Diet Now Advertisement

  • Get started by saving with these Weight Watchers Coupons

  • Established: 1963

  • Founder: Jean Nidetch

  • Headquarters: New York City

  • Stock Symbol: WTW

  • Accessibility: Meetings, Online, Books, Apps

  • Diet Type: Low-Calorie, Low-Fat

  • Gender: Male and Female

  • Celebrity Endorsements: Jessica Simpson

  • Corporate Site: WeightWatchers.com

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AuthorAuthor

by

BACKGROUNDBACKGROUND

It's been 50 years since Weight Watchers came on the scene and started helping people live healthier lives. Weight Watchers helps members create a foundation to introduce healthier choices and physical activity into their lives. Weight Watchers was made popular by the weekly meetings that are still a cornerstone of the program today.

Weight Watchers allows you to eat the foods you like without restriction. Simply stay within your daily range and you can still enjoy the foods you love balanced with nutritious choices like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. Unlike many diets, Weight Watchers also encourages an active lifestyle.

It all started in a living room, where women would gather to support one another while losing weight. Then it grew, and became one of the most recognized names in weight loss. They've remained an innovative brand, taking the plan online, and creating a program specifically for men.

Weight Watchers Meetings The original Weight Watchers plan invites members to weekly meetings where they help dieters form a network of support with people sharing similar experiences. Each person checks their weight privately. Meetings are conducted by a trained Meeting Leader who motivates and offers the group support through information about nutrition and fitness.

Weight Watchers at Work The Weight Watchers At Work program wants to make your workplace healthier by offering you and your company all of the success of the Weight Watchers program right from your own office.

Click to get started with this diet

DietsInReview.com is an advertising partner of Weight Watchers. This review is strictly our own opinion.

PROPRO
  • Programs to suit adult men and women
  • Choose counseling via meetings or privacy and convenience online
  • Online program is a comprehensive experience
  • Provides exercise guidance
  • Thousands of recipes and meals to choose from
  • Applebee's partnership for more healthful dining
  • Named #1 in the Best Commercial Diets by US News, 2011
  • Reputable and effective for 50 years

CONCON
  • Online detracts from the traditional social aspect of meetings
  • Not a structured plan, which may be difficult for some to adhere to
  • Not a strong emphasis on fitness
USER REVIEWSUSER REVIEWS

A sampling of feedback and experiences shared by our community.

Most realistic program to maintain long term ... may take longer to lose the weight but it stays off! - Carmelle 8/16/11

I lost close to 40 pounds on Weight Watchers and have kept it off ever since starting almost 10 months ago. I plan to be on this program forever. I'm the healthiest I've ever been. (I'm 26 and am thinner and a smaller size than I was in high school, which I NEVER thought was possible!!) WW WORKS! I have never felt deprived, and I feel like the program is something I can live with. It's literally one of the best things I've EVER done for myself. - Marjie 7/8/11

I've been following the new Points Plus program since the beginning of the year. Today I hit the 10% weight loss goal. Only one week I did not loose weight - but I didn't gain either. Love that the fresh fruits are free so when I just want something - I now reach for fruit rather than chips or cookies. I am a 30 year lifetime member (obviously strayed at times) and find that this is the easiest weight loss for me (and I'm now 59.5 years old). HIGHLY recommend the new Points Plus. The key is still planning and journaling as far as I'm concerned. - Char 4/1/11

The old WW worked. The new one does not. I am one of many lifetime members who have become very disenchanted by this new program. - Elle 6/21/11

I highly suggest playing around with the tools. Eventually most "0 point" foods will develop a point value if you put in a high quantity...especially fruits and starchy veggies like green beans and broccoli. If you eat what the healthy check recommends, drink the water the healthy check recommends and eat your points in proteins and a small amount of carbs and fats then you should not gain weight. It's about eating in moderation. Not going crazy just because you think you can. - Shannon 3/6/11

Leave your own review and rating

DIET and NUTRITIONDIET and NUTRITION

Weight Watchers emphasizes eating more wholesome food, while allowing you to splurge on cravings in moderation. You'll make balanced food choices that include whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, eggs and dairy. No matter which plan you choose, you'll have access to all of the Weight Watchers recipes that are delicious, satisfying and good-for-you.

Weight Watchers members can enjoy chili, muffins, brownies, burgers, pizza, pasta and so much more - especially when you follow their healthy tips for lightening the recipes.

You're encouraged to make more nutrient-dense food choices, which not only helps you lose weight but also helps keep you feeling satisfied.

The Weight Watchers website features thousands of recipes for all occasions. Weight Watchers Meetings Members can also use the A-Z food list found in the Pocket Guide, or purchase the Complete Food Companion and the Dining Out Companion to help them plan for their night out.

Whether you do the program online or attend meetings, there are several ideas for snacks and meals along with a list of power foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. The program is designed to teach you how to make smarter food choices so that you eat more filling and nutritious meals.

For example, Weight Watchers features two side by side meals that both have a points value of 11. The two meals are reflected below:

  • Meal 1 – Peanut butter and jelly sandwich made on reduced-calorie white bread; chips
  • Meal 2 – Black bean soup; Whole grain wheat pasta with grape tomatoes, small black olives, crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese, shredded basil leaves, olive oil and red wine vinegar; grapes

Just glancing at these two meals it would be hard to think they have the same value because meal two offers more food. Illustrations like this make it easy to see the importance of making healthier choices so that you can eat more while getting good nutrition throughout the day.

EXERCISEEXERCISE

Weight Watchers does promote living an active lifestyle, although exercise is not a requirement of the program.

To calculate the intensity of your workout, you can use your heart beats per minute or some simple physical cues. If you choose to follow the heart beats per minute, the classifications are as follows:

  • Low intensity: 68 to 92 beats per minute
  • Moderate intensity: 93 to 118 beats per minute
  • High intensity: more than 119 beats per minute

Using the physical cues for your activity level follows the rating of perceived exertion or RPE. This is what Weight Watchers uses. This method is easier than monitoring your heart rate while working out. The below chart can be used to help you gauge the intensity of your workout:

  • Light intensity – Fairly easy exercise that does not induce sweating unless it’s a hot, humid day. There is no noticeable change in breathing patterns.
  • Moderate intensity – Somewhat hard exercise that will break a sweat after performing the activity for about 10 minutes. Breathing becomes deeper and more frequent. You can carry on a conversation but not sing.
  • High intensity – Hard exercise that will cause you to break a sweat after three to five minutes. Breathing is deep and rapid. You can only talk in short phrases.

Keep in mind that those who are just starting to exercise, or those that have been inactive for a long period of time tend to overestimate their intensity levels. If you are just starting out it may be more accurate to gauge your intensity through your heart beats until you get an accurate understanding of actual intensity levels. With Weight Watchers you can choose to do any form of exercise that meets your needs. Some recommended forms of exercise available are:

  • Yoga
  • Pilates
  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Aerobics
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Bike riding
  • Kickboxing
WEIGHT WATCHERS FAQWEIGHT WATCHERS FAQ

Common questions asked about the Weight Watchers program by our community. Click each to see the full answer.

Can I do Weight Watchers without exercising? - Calcia 8/16/11

How much does Weight Watchers cost? - 7/20/11

Is Weight Watchers safe for kids? - Yoli 8/8/11

Is Weight Watchers good for diabetics? - Jackie 5/12/11

What do you get from weekly meetings? Hongquan 5/23/11

Are Weight Watchers Points confusing to anyone else? - 2/19/11

CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION

Weight Watchers is a tried and true veteran of the weight loss industry. With a variety of methods to choose from for both men and women, you're almost certain to find the right path for your weight loss journey. Weight Watchers provides guidance from every aspect of weight loss. Food is one of the primary concerns of any dieter and Weight Watchers goes above and beyond most other weight loss programs with thousands of recipes that anyone, dieting or not, will find tempting and delicious. If their style appeals to you, go for it.

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Weight Watchers at Wikipedia

About the Weight Watchers Lifetime Member Program

Weight Watchers Contact InformationWeight Watchers Contact Information
Common MisspellingsCommon Misspellings

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